Reconstruction after resection of hypopharyngeal carcinoma: comparison of the postoperative complications and oncologic results of different methods.

BACKGROUND: Radical surgery followed by radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. However, there is no general consensus as to which is the best method of reconstruction after surgical resection.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 91 patients who underwent radical surgery and reconstruction. Postoperative complications and oncologic results of the different reconstructive methods were compared.

RESULTS: Reconstruction with gastric pull-up had the lowest pharyngocutaneous (PC) fistula (0%) and pharyngoesophageal (PE) stenosis rates (0%). However, the overall postoperative complication rate was high (64%). Laryngotracheal flap (LTF) reconstruction had relatively lower rates of PC fistula (3%), PE stenosis (10%), and overall complications (22%). The introduction of the LTF technique significantly decreased postoperative complications from 71% to 30% (p = .0001), with similar tumor control and survival.

CONCLUSIONS: Hypopharyngeal reconstruction with an LTF is a simple and effective method. The chance of using a complex flap is decreased. The postoperative complications are reduced, and the oncologic results are satisfactory.